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I spent my Memorial Day as a guest on the Patt Morrison’s Memorial Day radio talk show on KPCC-FM

Last Thursday I got a phone call from my friend Pat Alivso from  Military Families Speak Out. She informed me that she had forwarded my name and information to staff member of the  Patt Morrison radio program. Patt Morrison’s Memorial day program was addressing challenges military families face, and my friend Pat knew we had a story to tell. The only problem was, I would be traveling home from Lake Havasu on Monday and crossing the desert, and cell phone service is  limited. I was concerned  of the  broadcast time and the phone reception  would not be clear enough for radio broadcasting. I told Pat thank you, but I just couldn’t see how I could be able to call in.

On Saturday I got a call from the Patt Morrison’s program Producer. She shared with me the other guests on the show and the time 1:20 pm for me to call in. She understood that  I would be  traveling and they really wanted to share our story with Patt’s listeners. The time was later than than when my friend told me. At 1:20pm we would be in Indio where the reception would be good. The Producer asked many many questions about our experiences. She then shared with me her vision of a future  forum with a live audience where the audience could ask questions, more interactive and was wondering if I would be interested on being on the forum. Would I, you bet. I love helping those that are now facing what I faced.

On Memorial Day as we were driving home I thought about what questions Patt would ask me and I began to think back about that time of deployment. We arrived in Indio at 1:00 pm. We pulled off the highway and went to a shopping center. I told my husband to park our truck away from any other cars. I was concerned that when I would be speaking the audience would hear additional noise and possible feedback. The weather was mild mid 80”s unusual for this time of the year, but perfect for stopping and stretching our legs. At 1:10 my cellphone rings, it the Patt’s Morrison staff, asking me if I would like to be on hold and hear the conversation Patt was interviewing Tim Kahlor’s father was discussing with Patt his son’s injuries. This father has made our government aware of  his son’ injures during the war,  improper body protect guard and the challenges of medical assistance. It was very interesting. And I realized how fortunate our family is.

Then at little past 1:20 Patt introduces me, sharing the challenges we faced being a grandparent raising our grandchildren, trying to keep the children connected to their mother and the difficulties I faced when the children returned back to their home. Patt’s experience as a reporter for LA Times, Winner of 6 Emmy’s, Golden Mick and received a Pulitzer, she made me feel welcomed and as if I was speaking to a friend. It was a wonderful experience. Before I knew my time was up. It was such a pleasure being on her show. I am really looking forward to the future forum.

How did you spend your Memorial Day?

“Interview with Patt Morrison, 89.3 KPCC-FM | 89.1 KUOR-FM | 90.3 KPCV-FM, Southern California Public Radio”

http://www.scpr.org/programs/patt-morrison/2011/05/30/military-families-and-their-private-front-lines

Thank you National Guard Foundations magazine for the wonderful article.

This national magazine is distributed to 400,000 National Guard soldiers.

I was interviewed by Rachel Gladstone the Staff writer for the magazine last summer. Rachel took the time not only ask me questions about my experiences with deployment, she interviewed my entire family on how deployment effected them.  When she asked me questions about  my experience it took me back in time of my daughter’s deployment.  I got to tell you I had tears in my eyes.  This surprised me . I thought I was over being emotional, it’s been almost two and half years ago now. I think when deployment is over, you think it’s over. But what I learned about deployment you never really forget the feelings and emotions  you had during that time. For me, that’s OK. I survived a challenging yet rewarding time in my life.

I am so happy that the media and the military are starting to recognize the families that support our military.

So here is to all of you out there supporting your military loved one and family.

I hope you enjoy the article.

(Click the image to see the full size article)

Look for the upcoming National Guard Foundations magazine article-Taking the Reins when grandparents become legal guardians

I have had the pleaser to be interviewed by Rachel Stone writer for the National Guard Foundation magazine a few months ago. She was not only interested in my side of the story, she interviewed my family. The magazine is sent to 400,000 National Guard soldiers. I shared my story of being a working empty nester and caring for my granddaughters while my daughter deployed.  For those of you receiving the magazine I understand it is in this month’s issue in Above & Beyond section page 41.

Once I  receive  the article  I will post it  for you to read.